First Two Patlabor Films Get 4K Discs, Screenings in Japan

Patlabor: The Movie and Patlabor 2: The Movie, released in 1989 and 1993, respectively, are two of my favorite Mamoru Oshii films and two of my favorite films period. So I’m pleased as punch to learn that both films have 4K remastered discs on the way in 2026—plus theatrical runs in Japan this October.

First off, let’s detail them discs. Both are new remasters based on 4K film scans that’ll be released on UHD and Blu-ray. Though they’re Japan releases (and come with the eye-watering price points to match), both will include English subtitles and dubs. It’s not clear which English track they’ll use, but I suspect Bandai Visual rather than Manga UK.

They’ll also include both versions of the Japanese audio: the original theatrical tracks and the “sound renewal” versions, in which all the sound effects (and even vocal performances!) were redone. They’ll also come with a booklet and a storyboard collection. Patlabor 1 comes out on January 28, and 2 on March 25. Each disc costs 14,300 yen (about $100).

Japan will also get theatrical releases of both movies this October 3 and 17, respectively, for two weeks each. The first film will be shown in both the original theatrical audio and in the “4K version,” which I assume means the soundtrack renewal version. A complete list of theaters is included in Natalie’s post, linked below.

Here’s hoping someone picks up these 4K remasters for US release!

Source: Natalie

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